Rock News Brief Update for Saturday 19th June, 2010

WHITESNAKE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

June 2010 - WHITESNAKE have officially announced that bassist URIAH DUFFY & drummer CHRIS FRAZIER are going their separate ways from the band after a fun filled & successful journey together.

WHITESNAKE wish URIAH & CHRIS every success in pursuing their individual musical careers & express their sincere gratitude for the exceptional contribution they both made to the legacy of the band.

WHITESNAKE are proud to welcome drummer/vocalist extraordinaire, BRIAN TICHY

(Ex-Foreigner) ... ( http://www.briantichy.com/ )

WHITESNAKE are currently in the studio writing & recording the follow up to their award winning 'GOOD TO BE BAD' album, which is expected to be released throughout the world on the FRONTIERS label in Spring 2011 to coincide with their return to touring.

At this time WHITESNAKE are still exploring their options for the position of new Bass Player/Singer...

"One never enters into a relationship expecting it to end, but, as in other avenues of life, these things happen...Often it is not necessarily any one persons fault, it just unfolds that the relationship has naturally run it's course ... I really wish Chris & Uriah well in everything they do...they are great guys & exceptional musicians ..."

"As we bid a fond farewell to the guys, it is with great pleasure we welcome Brian Tichy to the band...I've personally been a fan of his work since I first heard him destroy a drum kit years ago with Ozzy & thro' his amazing career with Pride & Glory, Billy Idol & Foreigner ... I have no doubt he will help take the 'Snake to new & dizzying heights with his personality & powerhouse playing...& I believe he will inspire me to boldly go where no singer has gone before..."

David Coverdale

To keep updated on WHITESNAKE visit:

http://www.whitesnake.com/

http://www.frontiers.it/

For those interested in keeping track of Uriah Duffy and Chris Frazier:

www.uriahduffy.com/

www.myspace.com/uriahduffy

and

http://chrisfrazier.cool-rock.com/eng.html

http://www.myspace.com/chrisfrazier

STEVE VAI UNLOCKS THE VAULT AND LAUNCHES VaiTunes SERIES

Los Angeles, CA (June 18, 2010) - It’s not uncommon for a musician to record more work than they release. In Steve Vai’s case, the Grammy® award-winning guitarist has a digital ocean of snippets in various degrees of completion. Some are leftovers from assorted sessions, projects that were never completed, soundcheck jams, or songs that were specific to a particular venture. “There are enough lonely, unreleased notes in my world to fill an infinity shelf,” says Vai. In between composing new scores for his upcoming performance with the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, Vai has transformed these snippets into full, lush songs and these rarities are being released as a series of single digital downloads called VaiTunes.

Each release comes with a PDF booklet containing detailed notes about the creation of the song, the story behind the recording, and gear involved. The latest release from the series, “The Moon and I” evolved from a soundcheck jam in Athens, Greece in the spring of 2000. The PDF liner notes allow the listener to follow Vai as he birthed the chord changes in Greece and subsequently watered and fertilized the song ten years later half way around the world in his Encino studio. Equally fascinating is the story of the guitar used to finish “The Moon and I.” Under unique circumstances, Vai recently purchased an original Desert Yellow Ibanez JEM 777DY guitar, a guitar he designed in 1987, from a local pawnshop and named the guitar “Moon.”

Vai plans to offer one track every month or so, each one representing a unique moment in his personal musical history. The releases can be purchased via iTunes and other digital music providers worldwide through www.vai.com/vaitunes

http://www.vai.com/

www.vai.com/vaitunes

Iron Maiden offering special deal, just for now!

PRE-ORDER THE FORTHCOMING IRON MAIDEN ALBUM 'THE FINAL FRONTIER' IN HIGH QUALITY MP3 FORMAT NOW AT A VERY SPECIAL PRICE OF JUST $7.99!

Remember this offer expires on Monday 21st June so CLICK HERE: www.7digital.com/cms/ironmaiden/ironmaiden.aspx 

to pre-order the standard digital album now.

Please Note: Other album formats to be released will include:

Limited Edition CD with exclusive extra content

Picture Disc Vinyl

iTunes LP with access to extra content

Standard CD and digital versions

More details to follow:

www.ironmaiden.com/

Triumph Greatest Hit's - Remixed CD/DVD review

Triumph Greatest Hits Remixed CD/DVD

(Released on TML- USA/ Canada and Frontiers – Europe)

Released May 2010

OK, this is a big set to cover, so I’m going to get straight to the music here folks, with the one exception to say, that this release was brought together by the reunion of the 3 guys in Triumph. Since they’ve reunited though, just 2 live dates have happened, so here’s hoping that, that’s not it!

Opening the CD disc with ‘Allied Forces,’ the title track of the album of the same name, sung with such passion by Gil Moore. This just gets in your face after building up from the start and I have to say its sound here is huge! Love it, brings back many happy memories!

Then ‘Lay It On The Line’ from ‘Just a Game,’ which was the first Triumph album I ever got into and this song really captures all elements that are Triumph, great song, vocals, music and it’s just …, wow!

‘Follow Your Heart’ was made to be a big video and chart hit, as the lyrics just sum up the whole dream of rock and rock and with a great song, big guitar solo and everything else to the fore! It sounds fresh even today.

OK, who can say they really don’t LOVE ‘Magic Power?!’ It draws you in with a beautifully sung quiet intro from Rik Emmett before growing into a monster smash hit! Again, these guys had everything in a song, to perfection!

‘I Live for The Weekend’ was the title of Triumph’s first and only UK tour and I recall seeing them on the opening night. A great song to kick off your Friday night on any given week. Rock and Roll big time!

Probably my first true ‘favourite’ Triumph song was ‘Hold On’ with Rik Emmett’s soaring vocals from the start, with some beautiful acoustic guitar before the band joins in on the tail end of Rik’s held high note.

What great melody and strength in a song, big drums fills and more.

‘Just One Night’ – From Sport of Kings - it says here was a hit but I don’t recall it charting here in the US or the UK. I can see it’s potential as it’s actually a typical 80’s ballad, written in fact by Neal Schon (Journey), Eric Martin (Mr. Big) and Tony Fanucchi.

With ‘Fight The Good Fight’ it’s back to classic more traditional Triumph and likewise with ‘Spellbound,’ great more of what we came to expect of the band. Great songs in depth, written by their own fair hand and remixed here!

You know, don’t get me wrong but I never really thought ‘Never Surrender’ was a worthy title track, being a Triumph fan of course I love the song but it starts like it wants to be a Led Zeppelin song. I personally thought ‘World of Fantasy’ would’ve been the better choice of title track and was my favorite song off the album at the time. Sadly ‘World of Fantasy’ is not included here, yet it hit # 3 on the Billboard rock chart at the time.

Next up the double barreled attack of ‘When the Lights Go Down,’ this starts with some slide guitar and then the more commercial touch of ‘Somebody’s Out There,’ that gave the band chart success in 1986.

The Triumph classic ‘Rock & Roll Machine,’ is saved until now before it shows its face. It includes some harmonics that bring Eddie Van Halen to mind, but that it was released in 1977 and 'Van Halen' was in 1978 … Is it just me or were the band wanting to be Deep Purple here? A re-written 'Speed King' anyone? I still love it!

Surprise at the end is the closer, a cover song made famous by Scottish rockers Nazareth. 

‘Love Hurts’ was recorded after Rik Emmett left with Phil X briefly stepping into those huge shoes

It’s OK and I guess its inclusion is to get something that was previously unreleased on here.

I just wanted to add at this point that nowhere in my review, before now, have I mentioned the man that made up the classic trio. Without Mike Levine's bass, keyboards and spot on backing vocals, the band wouldn't have been what they were. It's clear that Mike was totally into the whole Triumph live gig and was always an integral part of this great act.

To the DVD then … Which is full of the various promo videos that accompanied the bands single releases and opens with ‘Follow Your Heart’ and a great fun ‘live’ – I’d say overdubbed – video, but it totally shows what the band were all about in a live settings. Great stage show and performance!

‘Lay it on the Line’ next comes across as one of those, fake live show video’s with crowd screams overlayed, still fun to see though.

Ah, time for a little cheesy 80’s video with ‘Spellbound,’ very nice young lady in the video though!

Love the song!

A truly live version of ‘Magic Power’ next with Rick Santers joining the band live as the 4th band member, in a clip that I believe was from the live ‘A Night of Triumph’ DVD set. Great stuff! It’s really great to see the guys in a live set.

Video of ‘When the Lights go Down’ is next with the band in a live setting, but with a studio track and just before the guitar solo and during, the crowd screams are filtered in. It’s kind of like, it’s either live or it’s a promo video, but why do one against the back track / image of the other and next track ‘Hold On’ is exactly the same, with the crowd filtered in at certain times.

‘Just One Night’ promo video is next, with Gil Moore as the main character throughout the video scene and various ladies scattered throughout the scenes and Mike and Rik playing in windows across the screen.

Rik Emmett is made the main character in next video, ‘Somebody’s Out There’ and it must’ve been shot in sequence with ‘Just One Night,’ as besides the band shots, the video is on a similar track as ‘Just One Night.’ Great song still and fun to watch too!

‘Allied Forces’ is footage from the bands performance at the US Festival from 1983 and even with it being daylight, the guys showed, who needs lights?! The music speaks for itself and it’s great and the crowd clearly loves it!

Next is ‘Never Surrender’ from the same live setting as ‘When the Lights Go Down,’ and the crowd seemed to lap it up!

‘Never Say Never’ was from last studio album Rik Emmett did with the band before he was replaced by Phil X.

In my books it’s actually still a good song, but certainly not a hit. Typical studio promo video footage, rare too I’d guess!

So now it’s the ‘Bonus’ footage of the DVD first off with ‘Child of the City’ featuring Phil Xenidis, best known as Phil X and I guess this promo video was trying to put Triumph across with a new raw angle, based on the style of video, shot through red/black lens.

Next is the ‘bootleg’ fan filmed, ‘Blinding Light Show’ where due to the quality you wonder whether Rik’s voice was a little off or it’s just the video microphone quality or therein lack of quality. Kind of a surprise inclusion if you ask me? Would’ve thought something else would’ve been a better choice, but ….?

Still it takes up ten and half minutes of footage here …

Next is the ‘strange’ video put together to accompany ‘Love Hurts,’ that featured Phil X, although all the video compilation footage features various live clips with Rik on guitar, hence why I say strange.

Finally is the footage from both the Juno and Canada’s Music Week awards in both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Industry and Broadcast Hall of Fame. Both great pieces of footage and totally well deserved awards for the band, including various accolades from those in the business that that have been with the band throughout and musician friends too!

This is a great double set for any fan of the band and even for any mildly interested fan, but to be honest, if you ever liked any Triumph material at all, do yourself a favour a get this set, It’s great!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 all round good deal and package! If only they’d do one more tour!

www.triumphmusic.com/

Rock News for Friday 18th June, 2010

Not really much news for you at all I'm afraid, this is it! 

  

HERMAN ZE GERMAN RAREBELL RETURNS WITH ‘TAKE IT AS IT COMES’

Few metal drummers have a name as recognizable as Herman ze German Rarebell.

And with good reason - after all, it was Rarebell’s drumming that helped propel the Scorpions into one of the 1980’s most successful rock bands (as well as co-penning the all-time classic, “Rock You Like A Hurricane”). And Herman is back once more with his latest album, ‘Take It As it Comes,’ which was recently released via Dark Star Records.

A kick-ass, rockin’ good time, the album is available as a standard version, as well as a limited edition box set, which comes with two discs and a card autographed by ze German himself.

The album can also be purchased via the http://www.amazon.com/ site by following this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Take-As-Comes-Herman-German/dp/B003HGK8EC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1273512724&sr=1-1

The new single from ‘Take It As it Comes,’ is the appropriately-titled "Let Me Rock You," which has an add date at radio of June 3rd. Herman will also be in the U.S. starting July 12th in NYC, until July 30th ending in L.A., visiting radio and press nationwide supporting the new radio single. This will also tie in with a July 24th special appearance with the Michael Schenker Group, at this years Rock N' America Festival, at the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre (in Oklahoma City, OK).

Herman enthuses, “I guess most of you guys know me as the former drummer of the SCORPIONS - ‘Herman Rarebell.’ Together with my friends RUDOLF, MATTHIAS, and KLAUS, I enjoyed twenty truly awesome years of exhilarating rock n’ roll. We went through thick and thin, toured the world a couple times, and were awarded over 70 gold and 30 platinum records in addition to a bunch of other awards and prizes. It is my pleasure to tell you that my new solo CD, ‘Take It As It Comes,’ is now available on DARK STAR RECORDS.”

Get ready to be pounded into submission once more by one of rock’s greatest drummers...Herman ze German Rarebell!

For more information visit:

http://www.hermanrarebell.com/

www.myspace.com/hermanrarebell

www.myspace.com/hermanzegerman

http://www.darkstarrecords.com/

Foreigner - UK announcement on the way

Yeah, I know it tells you nothing really, but I guess if you're in the UK and you like Foreigner, well then keep watching their website!

They just posted this one line in their news updates:

06.17.2010

Watch here for a special UK announcement, coming soon!

http://www.foreigneronline.com/index.php

Alice Cooper releases 'Alice Does Alice' through website only

 

Alice Cooper has re-recorded 5 classic Cooper tracks, for a release titled, 'Alice Does Alice' as an MP3 download at his site only.

The tracks redone are:

School's Out

I'm Eighteen

No More Mr. Nice Guy

Welcome To My Nightmare

Elected

Right now, you can get 'Elected' as a free download at the site, if you sign up for the Alice Cooper mailing list or you can buy the Alice Cooper EP, 'Alice Does Alice' for $4.99.

www.alicecooper.com/

Raining and OK release Living Like A Ghost EP

Alt/Rock band Raining and OK will be debuting a brand-new EP called LIVING LIKE A GHOST, which features the single "Safety Net". The EP will be released digitally on June 22nd and is streaming today exclusively on http://www.purevolume.com/ (http://www.purevolume.com/rainingandok). "Safety Net” can also be streamed on MySpace.com (http://www.myspace.com/rainingandok)

With LIVING LIKE A GHOST, Raining and OK has again taken things to a new level of maturity.

Singer and lyricist Trevor Tillery explains "The EP has an overall theme of yearning to live life for a purpose beyond what the world and the media wants us to live. These are songs of hope and anthems to hopefully help bring people out of the dark into the light; out of the hard times." The music has anthemic choruses, thought-provoking lyrics, and even a full string section on "Waited Long Enough". The EP can be preordered now directly from the band (and with a personal note!) at http://www.rainingandok.com/store

For more information on Raining and OK please visit

http://www.rainingandok.com/

Rock News for Thursday 17th June, 2010

Uriah Heep 2010 North American tour delayed 

 

Just as Uriah Heep were about to start their first North American tour in years, what happens?

US immigration decides to hold things up!

This posted on Wednesday at their website, so if you were planning on attending the opening show in  Chattanooga on the 18th June, sorry, but that date has been cancelled ...!

Uriah Heep Tour Update - June 16th, 2010

Uriah Heep wishes to inform its US fans that unfortunately the US tour is now starting in Annapolis on the 19th rather than Chattanooga on the 18th.

This has arisen due to a problem with immigration beyond the band's control.

We hope that the fans of the band who were planning to see the Chattanooga concert will now be able to reschedule and attend one of the other shows.

The band looks forward to meeting many American friends during the tour.

Please visit www.uriah-heep.com for all updates of the US tour dates !

June 18th Chattanooga TN Riverbend Festival - Bud Light Stage CANCELLED

June 19th Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage

June 20th Wilkes-Barre, PA Kirby Center for the Arts

June 21st Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater 1894 SOLD OUT

June 22nd New York NY B.B. King Blues Club

June 24th St. Charles MO Ameristar Casino St. Charles

June 25th Kansas City MO Ameristar Casino & Hotel Kansas City

June 26th Milwaukee, Wi Summerfest

July 1st Illinois Beverly Arts Center

July 2nd Algona IA Freedom Park

I sincerely hope for the sake of the band and the fans, that this is not delayed further.

I have to say, it wouldn't be the first time it's happened to a British band!

UFO's last tour over here was likewise delayed / postponed until a few months later, due to immigration issues.

Steve Morse Update From the Road

 (Picture courtesy of www.deepurple.com)

This tour has been going amazingly well. I am consistently surprised at how many places we find young people mixed with older in the audience. If we keep going, it may be possible to meet a lot of 3rd generation fans. Actually, we already have met some. Anyway, the sheer number of Countries, time zones, and hours of traveling have made this all seem like a hazy dream to me. We have done longer legs, but this really seems like a long one!

Everywhere we go, people have been very hospitable, and I think that being a musician is something that everybody knows of in every country. If I go into a fancy hotel, they may wonder what I'm doing there, but when they know that I'm a musician (with any traveling band), they smile and remember that every touring band is a little weird looking from time to time. Despite the horrible problems and bad news across the World, people are still going out to see our concerts, and seem to be having a great time. South Africa was just getting ready for the World Cup onslaught of tourist/fans, and had built lots of new infrastructure, but I imagine that there could end up being more people than places to park, rooms, rental cars, etc. simply because soccer, (oops, I mean football) is such a big deal. Janine and I got to do a few tourist activities while we were down there and we were very glad to get a tour guide that was so friendly.

Right now, we're in Russia. We had a very nice visit of the whole band with the Ministries of Culture and Natural Resources, while touring the Volga River. They told me of an entire city that had been flooded, (with advance notice) when a lock and dam project went forward. I asked how deep, and I think he said it was over 200 feet! In a river. Our last show before a very short break at home, then full speed ahead in Europe. Hope to see you all on the road!

http://www.deeppurple.com/index.cfm

Sweden's H.E.A.T. lose their lead singer, want the gig?!

This posted over at the H.E.A.T. website regarding the departure of lead singer Kenny Leckremo.

As you can read below we have some very sad news to announce.

More info on auditions and who will sing at the scheduled gigs will come very soon.

Love and Respect

H.E.A.T

"Shift of the lead vocals in H.E.A.T

We have the sad duty to inform you that H.E.A.T and Kenny Leckremo will go separate ways. The decision is taken in harmony by all the six members of H.E.A.T and we part as friends and brothers.

Kenny has been the lead singer since the band formed in 2007. To our opinion, he is one of Swedens most gifted rock singers and same time a talented and creative song writer. But recent years, Kenny has been attracted to another life in England. It is partly for strictly personal reasons - reasons we respect. Also, Kenny has been struggling with voice related health issues, that have affected both him and the band negatively.

This all goes against our plan to become the biggest rock band in the world, a plan that we are fully committed to pursue. We have just released our second album Freedom Rock - and we have more in store for you.

We intend to do all in our power to fulfill our engagements this summer and fall. Obviously, we have already initiated the search for Kennys replacement.

Our reasons for communicating this now, is that we want to avoid incorrect rumours, same time as we want to inform our fans about the situation.

We are aware of the fact that Kenny is a by many beloved singer and we are very sad about the situation.

We would like to ask for the support from our fans and friends since we are probably the ones grieving the most that we and Kenny go different ways.

Upplands Väsby, Sweden, June 15th

H.E.A.T"  

Then on Wednesday day at their website, they posted this notice:

How to apply for the position as the new singer for H.E.A.T

Posted on 16 Jun 2010 by H.E.A.T

If you are interested in applying as the new singer of H.E.A.T, here is what you should do:

- Write a letter to singer@heatsweden.com and tell us a bit about yourself and your background as a singer. Please also write what you think you can contribute to H.E.A.T.

- Attatch at least one soundfile or a link of you singing. Preferably something within our style of music (Bon Jovi, Journey, Giant etc).

- If you have a video of yourself singing, thats even better.

- If possible, please record a video or record yourself singing to this karaoke track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNsTNNP5qF8

- Attatch a photo of yourself in the e-mail.

- Add information about how we can contact you!

Please send your application before by 15th July. We will reply to all applicants asap after that.

We hope to hear from lots of talented singers, we know you are out there!

www.heatsweden.com/

A Statement From Wendy Dio - Re: Dio Tribute albums 

Dear Friends and Fans of Ronnie, I have seen lately on http://www.blabbermouth.net/ a lot of announcements of bands releasing "so-called" Dio Tribute CD's.

Please do not be fooled by thinking they are doing this for the Ronnie James Dio 'Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund,' the money is going in their pockets and not to the Fund.

I find this totally disgraceful and upsetting that they are trying to make money off of Ronnie's death.

Wendy Dio

www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Nazareth reissues 2 albums with plenty of bonus tracks

The next two Remasters from Nazareth's back cataloge 'Malice In Wonderland' and 'The Fool Circle' will be released by Salvo records at the begining of August,the track listings for the albums are :-

MALICE IN WONDERLAND – SALVOCD043

HOLIDAY

SHOWDOWN AT THE BORDER

TALKIN' TO ONE OF THE BOYS

HEART'S GROWN COLD

FAST CARS

BIG BOY

TALKIN' BOUT LOVE

FALLEN ANGEL

SHIP OF DREAMS

TURNING A NEW LEAF

BONUS TRACKS:

I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING FOR YOU (BBC LIVE RECORDING)

SHOWDOWN AT THE BORDER (BBC LIVE RECORDING)

BEGGARS DAY (BBC LIVE RECORDING) (Never avaliable before)

BIG BOY (BBC LIVE RECORDING)

HOLIDAY / THIS FLIGHT TONIGHT (BBC LIVE RECORDING)

EXPECT NO MERCY (BBC LIVE RECORDING)

BROKEN DOWN ANGEL (BBC LIVE RECORDING)

The BBC recordings are all from the March 16, 1980 Hammersmith concert

THE FOOL CIRCLE – SALVOCD044

DRESSED TO KILL

ANOTHER YEAR

MOONLIGHT EYES

POP THE SILO

LET ME BE YOUR LEADER

WE ARE THE PEOPLE

EVERY YOUNG MAN'S DREAM

LITTLE PART OF YOU

COCAINE (LIVE)

VICTORIA

BONUS TRACKS:

MORGANTAU

CRAZY (A SUITABLE CASE FOR TREATMENT) – from the film ‘Heavy Metal’

RAZAMANAZ (LIVE EP)

HEART’S GROWN COLD (LIVE EP)

TALKIN’ TO ONE OF THE BOYS (LIVE EP)

HAIR OF THE DOG (LIVE EP)

(N.B. Features the full length versions of the Live EP tracks – ie. with the full guitar solo intro on Heart’s Grown Cold)

Keep up with Nazareth here:

www.nazarethdirect.co.uk/nazareth/?q=blog

Rock News for Wednesday 16th June, 2010

Some more details on the Dio Tribute gig by Heaven and Hell

This info from the Black Sabbath website:

Ronnie James Dio Tribute Concert Announced!

Today I'm proud to bring to you the details of the Ronnie James Dio tribute concert that have just been announced. Heaven & Hell have issued a press release (shown below) of the one off tribute show they're doing for Ronnie. It will be held on Saturday July 24, 2010 at the High Voltage Festival in London.

This actually was a gig that Heaven & Hell had planned to play with Ronnie, but it was cancelled with the rest of the dates a few weeks before Ronnie died. It apparently has been revived, and there's some details available now as to what's going on for this gig. This will be billed as "Heaven & Hell", and the lineup will be:

•Tony Iommi - Guitar

•Geezer Butler - Bass

•Vinny Appice - Drums

•Glenn Hughes - Vocals

•Jorn Lande - Vocals

First, while the press release doesn't mention it, I'd assume that Scott Warren will play keyboards. When I first read the press release, I wondered with a lot of fans who the heck "Jorn Lande" is. From the PR, "Norwegian Jorn Lande is best known in the UK as the vocalist for power metal band Masterplan, he has also released many solo albums including a tribute to Ronnie." I had never heard of him before, so I looked him up. Holy crap is this guy good. I saw him do some covers of old Dio era Sabbath tracks, as well as Dio tracks, and he nailed it. What's amazing is he can mimic other singers too. Heard him do Ian Gillan on Deep Purple's "Perfect Strangers" - holy crap, he nailed it. You might also want to check out this link - http://www.frontiers.it/album/4716/ - about Jorn, too.

Heaven & Hell Announce One Off Show

A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio

At

High Voltage Festival, Saturday 24th July 2010

Proceeds to be donated to the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund

On the 16th May 2010 Ronnie James Dio passed away and the world of music mourned the loss of the greatest voice of heavy metal.

Dio was a truly iconic figure in music, whose work with Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and most recently Heaven & Hell defined a genre.

Heaven & Hell were set to be on the road in Europe this summer when news came through that despite the amazing progress he was making Ronnie wouldn't be well enough to tour and those shows were canceled. But now, remaining members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice are set to play a one off show to celebrate his life and work. The band will be completed by Glenn Hughes and Jorn Lande who will both contribute vocals. Former Deep Purple / Black Sabbath star Glenn Hughes was a close friend of Ronnie's for many years and performed a musical tribute at Ronnie's funeral service in Los Angeles. Norwegian Jorn Lande is best known in the UK as the vocalist for power metal band Masterplan, he has also released many solo albums including a tribute to Ronnie. It promises to be a fitting celebration to a man that the metal scene owes so much.

"It's going to be a very emotional occasion. Ronnie loved his fans like no-one else I know - and they loved him. It will be a privilege doing a gig in honour of his memory, and to help towards his charity. Above all, I hope it encourages people to have regular check-ups for this disease. Early detection is vital, and greatly improves the chance of a cure. I know everyone has heard that a million times before, but seeing one of your best friends die because we all think we're immune from this disease, really brings it home. Do it for yourself, your family, your friends. Ronnie would be proud of you." Love & Peace, Geezer Butler

Tony Iommi says "Ronnie's passing has left a huge hole, we hadn't anywhere near finished what we set out to do as a band together. He was so looking forward to the European tour and we hope this appearance will go some way to fulfilling that."

The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund Program Description

*The fund is committed to the early detection and prevention of cancer through facilitating access to medical screening and medical educational programs.

*The fund supports programs designed to integrate medical knowledge into local communities such as cancer screening programs, education on nutrition in cancer prevention, exercise and overall wellness."

*The goal of the fund is to reduce the risk of developing life threatening cancers by offering access to preventative medical services."

*Furthering the commitment for patients to access to quality medical care related to cancer, the fund seeks to assist families burdened by the cost of caring for loved ones with cancer."

For further information on the Fund and to make a donation please visit http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Tickets for High Voltage festival are priced £135 (for weekend tickets) and £75 (for day tickets). There is no booking fee for Classic Rock Presents High Voltage tickets. Other VIP packages available alongside standard tickets from www.highvoltagefestival.com or 24hr cc ticketline 0871 230 5582.

Please check the websites below for further updates

http://www.highvoltagefestival.com/

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/

Frontiers records to release Stan Bush - Dream the Dream

Napoli, June 2010 – Emmy Award winning recording artist and Melodic Rock icon Stan Bush will release via Frontiers Records in Europe his brand new studio album entitled “Dream The Dream” on August 27th.

“Dream the Dream” is Stan Bush 11th studio album and is destined to set in stone the singer/songwriter artistic abilities and taste for writing and performing nothing but classy music. With powerful melodies that have made Stan a popular singer/performers in the melodic rock community, “Dream The Dream” is another gem that will please his old and newer fans. “We’ve been working on the new album for a year and a half, and I’m very happy with it” says Bush, “The last album, “In This Life” got great reviews and though we had to work really hard, I think we’ve got ourselves another amazing album. Some of the songs have a ‘go for it’ message, and some are about love, life and a search for meaning”.

Producer and guitarist Holger Fath again helped Stan shape his creativity even though songwriters on the album include, apart from Stan and Holger, Bobby Barth (Axe, Blackfoot), Curt Cuomo (KISS, Eddie Money), Ed Tree and Lenny Macaluso. “I was honored to again work with Holger Fath as producer/guitarist (and also keys)” tells Stan, ”I think he’s brilliant and he’s been a close friend for years. On drums, Matt Laug (Alice Cooper, Slash), is one of the best rock drummers in L.A. And on bass, Matt Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Rick Springfield) is incredibly solid”.

Apart from writing and recording albums, tracks from Stan’s previous albums have appeared in several major films. He won an Emmy Award in 1997 for Best Original Song. As a vocalist, Stan has sung on albums by established artists such as Alice Cooper and Jefferson Starship and has worked with many top producers (Ron Nevison, Giorgio Moroder, Andy Johns, Mick Jones, Desmond Child, Peter Frampton, Paul Stanley, Richie Zito). He has co-written with many of top songwriters like Jonathan Cain (Journey), Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams; Aerosmith), and Paul Stanley of KISS. Stan’s songs have received covers from many notable bands. "Love Don't Lie" was covered by House of Lords, and "Slave To Love" was recorded by Quiet Riot.

Stan announced touring plans in Europe in support to the release of “Dream The Dream” during the fall, so stay tuned for news!

“Dream The Dream” final tracklisting includes:

Never Hold Back; I’m Still Here; Don’t Give Up on Love; Two Hearts; In My Life; Love Is The Road; If This Is All There Is; Dream The Dream; More Than a Miracle; Your Time: All That I Am; Sam's Theme (The Touch).

The songs “I’m Still Here” and “Don’t Give Up on Love” can exclusively be listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Web radio. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Musicians:

Stan Bush: vocals

Holger Fath: guitars, keyboards

Matt Bissonette: bass

Matt Laug: drums

Weblinks:

www.stanbush.com/

www.myspace.com/116446489/

http://www.frontiers.it/

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

Nils Lofgren heads to the U.K. for Acoustic tour

In October, guitarist / vocalist Nils Lofgren who has played alongside Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr, will head out on a low key UK tour.

What's so different about this tour is that Lofgren will simply be accompanied by Multi-instrumentalist Greg Varlotta on the dates.

Dates below.

UK TOUR DATES 2010

Tues. Oct. 12 ANVIL ARTS

Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR

Box Office: 01256 844244

http://www.anvilarts.org.uk/

Weds. Oct 13 PACIFIC ROAD ARTS CENTRE

Pacific Road

Birkenhead, Merseyside CH41 1LJ

Box Office: 0151 666 0000

http://www.pacificroad.co.uk/

Thurs. Oct. 14 THE LOWRY

Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

Box Office: 0843 208 6000

http://www.thelowry.com/

Fri. Oct. 15 CADOGAN HALL

5 Sloane Terrace, London SW3 2RP

Box Office: 0207 730 4500

http://www.cadoganhall.com/

Sat. Oct. 16 THE STABLES

Stockwell Lane

Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU

Box Office: 01908 280800

http://www.stables.org/

Sun. Oct. 17 THE CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE

Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB

Box Office: 01223 357851

http://www.cornex.co.uk/

Mon. Oct. 18 ST. GEORGE'S HALL

Great George Street, Off Park Street

Bristol BS1 5RR

Box Office: 0845 4024001

http://www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/

Tues. Oct. 19 PARC AND DARE THEATRE

Station Road, Treorci, CF42 6NL

Box Office: 08000 147 111

http://www.parkdare.rct-arts.org/

Weds. Oct. 20 DORKING HALLS

Reigate Rd, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1SG

Box Office: 01306 881717

http://www.dorkinghalls.co.uk/

Fri. Oct. 22 PRESTON GUILD HALL

Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT

Box Office: 0845 3442012

http://www.prestonguildhall.com/

Sat. Oct. 23 THE QUEEN'S HALL

85 - 89 Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9JG

Box Office: 0131 6682019

http://www.thequeenshall.net/

Sun. Oct. 24 GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL

2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3NY

Box Office: 0141 353 8000

http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/

Mon. Oct. 25 THE SAGE

St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR

Box Office: 0191 443 4661

http://www.thesagegateshead.org/

Weds. Oct. 27 NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL

Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL

Box Office: 01603 630000

http://www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/

Thurs. Oct. 28 TOWN HALL

Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ

Box Office: 0121 780 3333

http://www.thsh.co.uk/

Fri. Oct. 29 THE BROOK

466 Portswood Road, Portswood,

Southampton SO17 3SD

Box Office: 02380 555366

http://www.the-brook.com/

Sat. Oct. 30 CITY HALL

Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TU

Box Office: 01722 434434

http://www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk/

More details at his site: www.nilslofgren.com/index.html

US stars Aerosmith rock biggest ever Download

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler treated fans to a flash of his torso as he whipped off his top at the UK's Download music festival.

The 62-year-old rocker was celebrating bandmate Joe Perry calling him "the best lead singer on the planet" as the band played the closing headline set on Sunday night.

It was a very special year as the 100,000 strong audience at Donnington Park made it the biggest ever Download festival and organisers paid tribute to the late Maurice Jones - who founded the Monsters of Rock event on the site 30 years ago - by naming the main stage in his honour.

http://www.aeroforceone.com/index.cfm?pk=viewall&cd=NAA&pid=302766

Rockstars & Actors Donate In Support of 'Humanity Thru Music © In Benefit of Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary'

STEVE VAI, OZZY OSBOURNE, JOHN 5, BLASKO, PAUL GILBERT, TYLER MANE, MARKY RAMONE, BILLY SHEEHAN AND MORE

DONATED INSTRUMENTS FROM IBANEZ, YAMAHA, ERNIE BALL, SCHECTER GUITARS, STAGE CLOTHES AND THEATRICAL PROPS UP FOR AUCTION EBAY AUCTION NOW!!

HOLLYWOOD, CA – (June 15, 2010) – Besides the love of music, rockstars have a soft spot for our four legged furry friends. With the help from so many artists and actors with their charitable donations of instruments and signed memorabilia, FUR & FEATHER ANIMAL SANCTUARY comes closer to breaking ground in the next year for the first fully solar and wind powered, no-kill animal sanctuary. The sanctuary will also provide the community with a low-cost animal clinic, education and cultural center.

Currently on the eBay auction block is a Yamaha bass signed by Bass-master BILLY SHEEHAN, guitar virtuoso JOHN 5’s famous 666 strap by Red Monkey from 5 tours with Rob Zombie signed and dated, OZZY’s autobiography “I AM OZZY” signed by OZZY, legendary ax-slinger STEVE VAI’S custom made silver outfit by famed rockstar couturier Terri King. It was worn on the Ultra Zone tour in the late 90's, HALLOWEEN 2’s movie prop w/ signed Michael Myers photo from TYLER MANE, and a Schecter Diamond Series Delux guitar signed by ALL the mainstage bands from OZZfest 2006 including OZZY, ZAKK WYLDE, BLS, HATEBREED, DISTURBED, LACUNA COIL, SYSTEM OF A DOWN and more!

Shop eBay NOW! http://shop.ebay.com/furfeather/m.html

Adding in the next week to the auction will be 2 signed Ibanez guitars one from PAUL GILBERT and one from STEVE VAI, an Ernie Ball bass signed by BLASKO from Ozzy Osbourne’s band, and a Schecter Diamond Series guitar signed by horror Icons TYLER MANE (Michael Myers/Halloween 1&2) and DEREK MEARS (Jason Voorhees/Friday the 13th). More items coming!! Keep an eye out for additions of cool signed memorabilia from your favorite rockstars!!

All items come with signed letters of authentication for your collection!

Did you know?

- Between four million and six million pets are euthanized every year because they are homeless.

- An animal in a shelter is killed every 1.5 seconds.

- Only one animal in 10 born in the U.S. gets a good home that lasts a lifetime.

- There is a direct correlation between animal abuse and neglect and child abuse and neglect.

FUR & FEATHER ANIMAL SANCTUARY is a 501(c)(3) that was organized exclusively for charitable, and educational purposes, more specifically for helping homeless and un-wanted animals with medical care, adoption in a no-kill safe environment.

For more information go to http://www.furfeather.org/ (almost finished) or visit them on Facebook now! Just search for Fur & Feather Animals Sanctuary and look for the happy Pit-bull~ To donate to the cause use Paypal and email to donations@furfeather.org or email to get address to send checks~

Brief Rock News Update for Tuesday 15th June, 2010

ALICE IN CHAINS JOINS ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL AT STURGIS

MULTI-PLATINUM HEADLINER IS LATEST TO FORTIFY STATUS OF HISTORIC 5-NIGHT CONCERT ASSAULT AS ‘THE HOME OF ROCK’S HARDEST NEW CHART TOPPERS’ EACH NIGHT’S LINEUP TOPPED BY ONE OF THE MOST EXPLOSIVE AMERICAN ACTIVE ROCK BANDS OF 2010!

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, CREED, GODSMACK, 3 DOORS DOWN, HINDER, THREE DAYS GRACE, THEORY OF A DEADMAN & WOLFMOTHER AMONG STARS MOTORING TO SOUTH DAKOTA TO MAKE ROCK ‘N ROLL BEDLAM AT WORLD’S LARGEST BIKER EVENT

HELLYEAH, SKILLET, CAGE THE ELEPHANT, POP EVIL & EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

ALSO JOIN THE PARTY AUG. 9-13 AT GLENCOE CAMPRESORT

30 BANDS OVER 5 FULL NIGHTS!

MANY MORE BANDS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

“Get your motor running and head out on the highway to South Dakota, where a host of hard rock titans … will rock the tattooed masses. Is it too hot to wear leather in Dakota in August? Nah.”

- BLENDER.COM

LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2010) – ALICE IN CHAINS are the latest high octane multi-platinum rockers to join the growing list of bands combining forces with DC3 Global as the inaugural ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL hijacks the world’s biggest, baddest biker event for five full nights of undeniable rock ‘n roll bedlam – Monday, Aug. 9 through Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 – as part of the legendary Sturgis Rally’s 70th Anniversary celebration in Sturgis, SD.

ALICE IN CHAINS unites with fellow headliners Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack, Creed and 3 Doors Down to establish the ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL as “The Home of Rock’s Hardest New Chart Toppers,” boasting five of the most explosive AMERICAN Active Rock Bands of 2010 – a different one topping each night’s lineup.

Tickets for the ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL are $45 per day, general admission ($150 for a five-day pass), and ON SALE NOW through http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and http://www.rocknrevfestival.com/ and at all Ticketmaster locations, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available each day at the gate. For more information on exclusive VIP packages ($1,000 for five days), including backstage access to a VIP area to special, air-conditioned tents with private bars, motorcycle parking, luxury bathroom facilities and more, go to http://www.rocknrevfestival.com/. Deeply discounted Concert ‘N Camping packages are available on the Glencoe CampResort website at http://www.glencoecamp.com/. Gates open at 4 p.m. daily. Show time each day is 6 p.m. For complete information, call the hotline at (800) 272-4712.

ALICE IN CHAINS’ Grammy nominated smash “Check My Brain” and the follow-up hit, “Your Decision,” each rocketed to #1 on Billboard’s Rock Songs Chart, fueling new album Black Gives Way to Blue (Virgin/EMI) to gold-certified status. Lead single “Check My Brain” set the album’s pace by blanketing rock and alternative radio and rocketing straight to #1 on Billboard’s Rock Songs Chart and #1 on the R&R Rock Chart. The band maintained chart domination with second single “Your Decision,” which also hit #1 on Billboard’s Rock Songs Chart and stayed there for 8 weeks. “Your Decision” also became the 12th top ten mainstream rock hit of Alice In Chains’ illustrious career.

Both fans and critics alike have responded to Black Gives Way to Blue with rave reviews since its #5 Billboard debut: Playboy gave it four stars, calling it “Alice In Chains’ Back In Black.” The Boston Globe wrote “Alice In Chains is back in business and business is good,” Metal Hammer said, “Alice In Chains are back and every bit as exciting and heavy," a Guitar World magazine readers’ poll voted Black Gives Way To Blue “Rock Album of the Year” and at the recent Revolver Golden Gods Award show the band walked away with both the “Album of the Year” and “Comeback of the Year” honors.

Last month, Godsmack’s The Oracle debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 200, becoming their third #1 album in America. The Grammy Award-winning Stone Temple Pilots are currently the #1 rock ‘n’ roll band in the country, as their first all-new collection in close to a decade, Stone Temple Pilots, now tops the Billboard Rock chart after debuting at #2. Additionally, STP’s raucous first single, “Between The Lines” has proven a rock radio sensation, recently spending three weeks as the #1 track at Modern Rock radio outlets nationwide. Last fall, Creed saw its reunion album, Full Circle, debut at #2 behind only Michael Jackson’s This Is It, while their DC3-produced DVD, Live, reached #4 and earned a Guinness World Record. And 3 Doors Down’s most recent album, 3 Doors Down, also debuted at #1.

With an unrivaled lineup of 20 bands over five nights and spectacular fireworks displays each night in the nation’s largest outdoor amphitheater at the 600-acre Glencoe CampResort, the ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL promises to be the hands-down largest party ever thrown at the world’s largest motorcycle event, which annually draws over a half million patrons. World famous showman Jim Rose and his circus are set to emcee the five-day event and give attendees a show they will never forget.

ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL also announces the additions of Three Days Grace, Hellyeah, Cage The Elephant, Theft, Sweet Cyanide, Charm City Devils and Rev Theory to the sweltering lineup, joining the likes of Eagles of Death Metal, The Darling Stilettos, Pop Evil, Skillet, and Swayback as just some of the other bands making massive music at this colossal biker bash.

Stay tuned for more major announcements of many more bands being added in the weeks ahead!

Everything about the ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL will appeal to the “leather and chrome” sensibilities in everyone who attends, from those who embody the biker life style to the more casually minded weekend warriors and their families. The Vendor Village will be overflowing with an assortment of food, clothing, gear and other accessories, including loads of top tattoo artists and the best barbeque and related cooking specialists from the nation’s sauciest hotspots such as Austin, Memphis, Chicago, and New Orleans. The overall Mardi Gras atmosphere will recall some of Europe’s top festivals, with a decidedly American flair. After all, biking and rock ‘n’ roll are two of America’s greatest heritages.

While live concerts always have been a staple at Sturgis, there never has been such an incredible concentration of high caliber performers being showcased in a five-day stretch. The unstoppable combination of first-class concert promotions in a first-class camping resort facility is unsurpassed anywhere.

Glencoe CampResort is world-renowned for its clean, comfortable camping facilities, complete with full-service bars and restaurants, in close proximity to the city of Sturgis, providing a resort-like experience for people attending the Sturgis Rally. Still family owned and operated, Glencoe is continuing to develop and improve in conjunction with DC3 Global’s new festival initiative ignited by the ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL. DC3 Global already is raising the bar with plans to expand its festival presence not only at Glencoe, but around the country. DC3 now is helping to oversee and accelerate the continued expansions and upgrades at Glencoe, already including the purchase of additional shaded acreage for camping, the planting of hundreds of new trees, and everything from roads, and the upgrades of bathrooms, food stands and shower houses.

DC3’s co-founder, Daniel E. Catullo III, has been involved in the Sturgis Rally since 2006, as exclusive producers of TV, pay-per-view and DVD specials for RTR in 2006 and 2007, and an executive producer of the Rock ‘N Rally Festival (2007). He’s combining his years of Sturgis experience with the tremendous resources of DC3 to significantly up the ante at Glencoe and launch an entirely new national brand for years to come with the ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL.

THE ROCK ‘N REV FESTIVAL LINEUP - (new additions in BOLD)

Monday- August 9th

GODSMACK

THREE DAYS GRACE

HELLYEAH

POP EVIL

DARLING STILLETOS

Hosted By Jim Rose and Performances by Jim Rose and The Jim Rose Circus

Tuesday- August 10th

CREED

SKILLET

THEFT

Wednesday- August 10th

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS

WOLFMOTHER

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

CAGE THE ELEPHANT

SWAYBACK

Hosted By Jim Rose and Performances by Jim Rose and The Jim Rose Circus

Thursday- August 11th

3 DOORS DOWN

HINDER

SWEET CYANIDE

Hosted By Jim Rose and Performances by Jim Rose and The Jim Rose Circus

Friday- August 12th

ALICE IN CHAINS

CHARM CITY DEVILS

REV THEORY

Hosted By Jim Rose and Performances by Jim Rose and The Jim Rose Circus

MELODIC ROCK RECORDS TO KICK OFF IN JULY

Andrew McNiece the man behind http://www.melodicrock.com/ has announced the official kick off of his own record label.

Read on, in the man's own words! Good luck with it Andrew!

MelodicRockRecords has been formed to fill a niche I believe needs covering. It is about time this site had its own record label but I'm not about to compete with any of my label partners that I enjoy the support of.

Rather MelodicRockRecords will simply be an avenue for me to work with artists and albums I believe in, artists who want to work with me and like my ideas and are perhaps looking for a different way of doing things. I also hope to bring to the market some lost gems from the vaults - amazingly there are still some prime records stuck in limbo from yesteryear.

Many releases will be limited editions and all releases will have to hold up to my personal beliefs of what a great record should deliver - no matter the genre.

MelodicRockRecords will be distributed throughout the UK and Scandinavia by Cargo Records; throughout Europe via AOR Heaven and via your favourite specialist online retailers in the USA and elsewhere.

MelodicRockRecords offers guaranteed maximum exposure right here and the ability for fans to purchase these releases direct from http://www.melodicrock.com/ via pre-sale. All pre-sale customers will be guaranteed copies in the case of limited editions, will occasionally be offered bonus track downloads and will get delivery of each release just prior to the announced release date.

I'm continuing to build the concept of the label and what exactly I might be able to accomplish and of course...looking for the right artist/albums to work with! I won't be signing a ton of bands or releasing a record every month. Just a few quality releases throughout the year.

Further details or submissions - contact me anytime: e-mail now.

MelodicRockRecords is very proud to announce the release of MRR001: Jimi Jamison & Jim Peterik - Extra Moments.

Jimi Jamison teamed up with his former Survivor bandmate Jim Peterik in 2007 to record a new solo album. That album was released via Frontiers Records in 2008 to high critical acclaim and fan praise.

The guys spent a year writing material for Crossroads Moment and even with 15 tracks included, there were several more that didn't make the cut.

Jimi Jamison appears with the very generous approval of Frontiers Records.

Jimi and Jim both loved the idea I had of compiling the various tracks that didn't make the original album for a stand alone release. Adding to the value of this release is some additional alternative takes and recording demos to round out a stunning 11 track release, showcasing the talent and chemistry of these much loved duo.

The complete picture of Crossroads Moment is now available with the release of Extra Moments on July 23. Pre-Orders for this limited edition release will commence next Monday - June 21.

The Track Listing is: Dream Higher; Chiseled In Stone; Cry Of The Wild Heart; Heart Of A Woman; Life #9; I Wanna Touch You There; Lifeforce; Chiseled In Stone (Demo, Jim Peterik lead vocal); She's Nothing To Me (Demo, Jim Peterik & Thom Griffin lead vocal); Lifeforce (Demo, Jim Peterik lead vocal); Life #9 (Demo, Jim Peterik lead vocal).

Soundbytes and cover art previews coming right up!

Ozzfest hits the UK this year, but no other Europe dates planned

This info from http://www.blabbermouth.net/, as Metal Hammer did not appear to have the info Blabbermouth says it does, weird?

Anyway, read on:

Metal Hammer magazine has revealed (Where?!) more details about the U.K. edition of Ozzy Osbourne's travelling festival, Ozzfest, which will be held on September 18 at London's O2 Arena. In addition to Ozzy, the main-stage lineup for the event will include KORN, MURDERDOLLS and SKINDRED. A yet-to-be-announced act will open the main-stage festivities. There will also be a second stage at the event, sponsored by Jägermeister, that will feature five bands and is expected to be a combination of up-and-coming bands and established artists.

No other European Ozzfests are planned for this year.

 

Ozzfest U.K. will feature a revolutionary "lower-tier" ticketing scheme that will allow ticket buyers to purchase tickets that will be valid for the especially enlarged standing area and lower-tier seating.

"Metal Hammer were instrumental in getting Ozzfest to the U.K.," said co-organizer Stuart Galbraith. "We've been working on this for six months and there's going to be all manner of tie-ins and we're hoping to get extra offers for Metal Hammer readers and aficionados of all kinds. The additional details are all VERY exciting and we can't wait to share them with everyone!"

"We're extremely excited to be playing Ozzfest in Europe," said KORN guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer. "Ozzy is an absolute legend, mentor, and dear friend of mine, so it's always an honor to perform on the same bill as him. We can't wait!"

Tickets for Ozzfest 2010 go on sale Friday, June 18 at 9 a.m. Tickets will be priced £40 in advance (subject to booking fee).